Online Cloud Storage: Is Your Data Really Safe?

The cloud is a revolutionary new technology that allows you to store the files on your hard disk in a safe, secure place. It provides you with a back-up alternative that will never face the same potential disasters a hardware alternative is at risk from; it can’t be damaged in the same flood or fire that harms your computer, it is safe from thieves and hackers and it can be accessed wherever you are in the world – even by other people, should you want to grant them permissions. But how can you be sure you’ve chosen the most secure cloud storage?

Secure Cloud Storage: Checking Out Security Standards

Every cloud storage provider will use different security standards, including the encryption protocols they employ to transfer your data to and from the cloud. To find the most secure cloud storage, you will want to be sure that the company you choose has a reputation for security and encrypts your data when you upload and download it (to be sure, look for the padlock beside the URL in your browser). The terms of service will tell you whether your data will also be encrypted while it’s in the cloud – for your most sensitive information, you’ll want to make sure this is the case. Just in case the company is hit by hackers or a high-level employee turns out to be corrupt, the most secure cloud storage will include encryption while your data is being stored, which will render it useless to anyone who attempts to access it.

Secure Cloud Storage: Understand Your Service

There are other considerations to bear in mind when you’re looking for a secure cloud storage provider. If you are interested in sharing your documents with other people, for example if you want to give friends and family access to your holiday photos or you want to collaborate on a work document with a colleague in a remote location, you’ll need to know that the cloud storage you choose allows you to share just the files you want to share. Otherwise, Great Aunt Maud will be able to browse your health insurance documents while she’s viewing a video of you surfing in Hawaii – which is probably not a good thing! It’s also a good idea to check the terms and conditions to be sure what rights you have if something should happen while you’re using the service. Do you have recourse if hackers attack the cloud or your data is somehow lost?

Secure Cloud Storage: Taking Extra Measures

Once you’ve completed your search for a secure cloud storage provider and you’re happy with the security options they offer and the rights they allow you, there are extra steps you can take yourself to make sure your data is secure. Firstly, make sure your password is strong and not copied from another website or service you use – it should be unique, and should never contain full words.

Now you know how to make sure your data is completely secure while it’s in the cloud, check out our comparison tables to start searching for a secure cloud storage service: